Red Deer Hospice: A sanctuary for terminally ill patients and their families
The Red Deer Hospice’s volunteers and staff decorate the living room with Christmas decorations, making residents feel at home. Photo courtesy of Red Deer Hospice.
Nestled in Anders neighbourhood, Red Deer Hospice prides itself on creating a space that feels like home, ensuring residents and their families are treated with dignity and kindness in their final moments.
“It’s an honour to support our residents on their final journey. Our mission is to provide a peaceful and compassionate end of life, and every day, we strive to make each resident feel special,” says Red Deer Hospice Executive Director, Jerri Taylor.
Since its inception in 2005, Red Deer Hospice has grown from a 10-bed facility to a 16-bed home, thanks to the community’s generous support. “Our 2019 expansion was the direct result of this community’s kind donations, we are immensely grateful,” Taylor says.
Rooms are designed to feel welcoming, bathed in natural light, and accommodations for guests and home cooked meals reflect the hospice’s ethos of caring not just for residents but also for their families and families.
The common area in the Red Deer Hospice is decorated with art and books, a fireplace and couches, for residents to sit and cherish the moments they have. Photo courtesy of Red Deer Hospice.
In addition, “our grief support groups which are open to all, help families navigate their loss,” Taylor adds, emphasizing the hospice’s commitment to long term community support.
A key aspect of the hospice’s mission is its accessibility, regardless of financial status. “We ensure that our care is accessible to everyone. There’s no fee for our services, and our admission process starts with a simple conversation with your health professional (physician or palliative home care nurse).”
Campaigns that brighten residents’ days
To help support that vision, the annual Memorial Angels campaign returns this year. Until Dec. 22, purchase a gold-plated angel adorned with a Swarovski crystal for $25, and “the proceeds go directly to enhancing resident comfort and care,” Taylor notes.
During the holidays, the hospice team takes special care to decorate the home, prepare a Christmas Day dinner and ensure that Christmas is a special time for each resident.
The Memorial Gardens across the street from the hospice feature plaques commemorating past residents, highlighting the deep connection the hospice continues to foster with families whose loved ones have stayed at the hospice.
Red Deer Hospice’s dedication to providing individualized care, supported by the generosity of donors and volunteers, stands as a testament to the power of community in making a difference in the lives of those in their final journey.
To support Red Deer Hospice or to learn more, visit reddeerhospice.com. To make a donation or purchase a memorial angel, find more information here.